Systems and methods for modifying cad files

ABSTRACT

A method of modifying CAD documents is provided, the method including use of a CAD modifying application that enables a user to modify a plurality of CAD documents outside of a native CAD environment. In another embodiment, the application may be integrated into a native CAD environment. The method includes using the CAD modifying application to build a workflow environment from existing CAD files, configure parameters and components of the workflow environment according to desired modification, and generating the modified CAD documents by instructing the CAD modifying application to communicate with existing CAD software.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates broadly to systems and methods forcomputer aided design (CAD). More specifically, the present disclosurerelates to systems and methods capable of interfacing with existing CADsoftware and its associated files, where the disclosed systems andmethods advantageously enable one or more existing assemblies modeled inCAD software comprising several files, presentation files, drawingfiles, and the like, to be quickly manipulated in a single process.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Numerous computer aided design (CAD) programs exist. CAD software is apowerful tool used in architecture, engineering, and product designacross several industries. While features may vary from individualprogram to program, CAD software generally provides users with aninterface that enables the user to create virtual models of real-worldobjects. CAD software typically provides a two-dimensional (2D)interface where a user can specify the parameters of a given object invector form in an x, y, z plane. Most CAD software further enables theuser to view the 2D object as a three-dimensional (3D) model generatedfrom the user-created 2D vectors.

CAD software further allows for multiple virtually modeled objects to becompiled into a single master virtual model. A single item ofmanufacture may for example include many individual objects, referred toherein as components. In such instances, the item of manufacture can bereferred to as an assembly. CAD software further enables component filesto be combined according to user specified configurations that reflecthow the components are intended to interface in the real, non-virtual,assembly. The action of combining individual component files thusgenerates a single master file that reflects a virtual model of anassembly.

Often in design and modeling process, it is desirable to modify certainaspects of components. However, when a single component in an assemblyis modified in a given manner, other components within the assembly mustalso be modified, such that the entire model of the assembly remainsconfigured as intended. To accomplish this, each and every componentmust thus separately be modified. Typically, a user would perform theseactions by opening each component file individually and making thedesired changes. This is tedious and time consuming.

Some CAD programs have attempted to automate this process, but theexisting solutions to automation are limited. In existing softwarehaving automation capabilities, in order for parametric changes to beautomated, a user modeling a component must know in advance thatparametric changes to the component might be desired. The user must alsomodel each respective component affected by any parametric changes inother components accordingly, such that the components cross-referenceone another. These existing CAD automation processes are thus limitedbecause the automation process is built into the creative process ofmodeling components. If components are not initially modeled tocontemplate parametric changes and such changes are desired, thecomponents must be remodeled. The ability to apply parametric changesacross multiple modeled components, even when automated, continues to betime intensive and/or requires advanced knowledge in computationalprogramming.

SUMMARY

The subject matter of this disclosure may involve, in some cases,interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem,and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or application.

In accordance with aspects and embodiments disclosed herein, a method ofmodifying a first CAD file stored in a computer memory of a computer isprovided wherein the computer comprising CAD software and a CADmodifying application, the method comprising the steps of building aworkflow environment in the CAD modifying application, where the CADmodifying application runs on the computer separately from the CADsoftware, the workflow environment including the first CAD file;modifying at least one parameter associated with the at least one CADfile to create at least one modified parameter within the CAD modifyingapplication; generating a second CAD file from the first CAD file andthe at least one modified parameter from the CAD modifying application;and storing the generated second CAD file in the computer memory. Inother embodiments, the CAD modifying application may be integrated intothe CAD software. As used herein, the step of generating the second CADfile also includes saving an updated version of the first CAD file andoverwriting the first CAD file.

In accordance with embodiments, building the workflow environmentincludes selecting the first CAD file from a plurality of CAD filesdisplayed in a workspace environment, where the workspace environmentand workflow environment are displayed by the CAD modifying applicationin a single window of a display of the computer.

In accordance with embodiments, the workspace environment is created byopening the CAD modifying application. The workspace environmentdisplays all CAD files stored in the computer, or in a directory ordirectories of the computer, on the display of the computer. Theworkflow environment may be created by dragging and dropping (or otherinput method) the first CAD file from the workspace environment into theworkflow environment using a user interface and an input of thecomputer.

In accordance with embodiments, selecting the first CAD file from theplurality of CAD files displayed in the workspace environment populatesa parameter environment. The first CAD file may be an assembly file thatincludes at least two component files. In accordance with embodiments,when the first CAD file is an assembly file, selecting the first CADfile in the workspace environment populates a component environment. Thecomponent environment corresponds to the at least two component files ofthe selected assembly file.

In accordance with embodiments, selecting a parameter from the parameterenvironment generates an interactive form within the CAD modifyingapplication having a corresponding editable parameter window.

In accordance with embodiments, a user inputs, through an input device,a modified parameter value in the editable parameter window presented onthe computer display, where the modified parameter value is differentfrom the parameter value in the first CAD file. In accordance withembodiments, the user inputs from the interactive form are communicatedby the CAD modifying application to the CAD software and communicationof the inputs from the CAD modifying application causes the CAD softwareto output a second, modified CAD file.

In accordance with aspects and embodiments, a method of modifying aplurality of CAD files is provided, the method comprising opening CADsoftware, opening a CAD modifying application, importing original CADfiles into the CAD modifying application, wherein the CAD modifyingapplication extracts parameters and components from the importedoriginal CAD files and displays the extracted parameters within theCAD-modifying application, using the CAD modifying application to assigna new value to at least one extracted parameter to create at least onemodified parameter, and instructing the CAD modifying application tointerface with the CAD software, wherein interfacing causes the CADmodifying software to communicate the at least one modified parameter tothe CAD software and further causes the CAD software to generate amodified CAD files corresponding to the original CAD files having the atleast one modified parameter. In other embodiments, the same operationsmay be used to modify components and file names.

In accordance with aspects and embodiments, the interactive forms may besaved on a computer memory for future use by the CAD modifyingapplication. These saved interactive forms may be shared with otherusers and/or systems. Forms and associated files may be exported to asingle data file.

In accordance with embodiments, the method further comprises saving theinteractive form and the modified CAD files in a file bundle.

In accordance with embodiments, the method further comprises using theCAD modifying application to create a plurality of modified parameters.In other embodiments, the same operations may be used to modifycomponents and file names.

In accordance with embodiments, after modified CAD files correspondingto the original CAD files having the plurality of modified parametersare generated, a second set of modified parameters are created and usedto generate a second set of modified CAD files corresponding to theoriginal CAD files having the second set of modified parameters.

In accordance with aspects and embodiments, the CAD modifyingapplication may be cloud based and in some embodiments, may be a mobileapplication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a flow chart of an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 provides a flow chart of an embodiment of the present disclosure;and

FIG. 3A provides an example of a user interface in accordance withaspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B provides another example of a user interface in accordance withaspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3C provides yet another example of a user interface in accordancewith aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodimentsof the invention and does not represent the only forms in which thepresent invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The descriptionsets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing andoperating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.

In the description, specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the examples disclosed. In other instances,well-known methods, procedures, components and materials have not beendescribed in detail as not to unnecessarily lengthen the presentdisclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms “a”, “an”, and “the”, are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It shouldbe further understood that the terms “includes” and/or “including”, whenused in the present specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereofnot explicitly stated.

Some embodiments of the present invention may be practiced on a computersystem that includes, in general, one or a plurality of processors forprocessing information and instructions, RAM, for storing informationand instructions, ROM, for storing static information and instructions,a data storage unit such as a magnetic or optical disk and disk drivefor storing information and instructions, modules as software unitsexecuting on a processor, an optional user input and/or output devicesuch as a display screen device (e.g., a monitor) for display screeninginformation to the computer user, and an optional user input device.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present examplesmay be embodied, at least in part, a computer program product embodiedin any tangible medium of expression having computer-usable program codestored therein. For example, some embodiments described below withreference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods,apparatus (systems) and computer program products can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. The computer program instructions(referred to herein as “software,” “program” and/or “application”) maybe stored in non-transitory computer-readable media that can direct acomputer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function ina particular manner, such that the instructions stored in thecomputer-readable media constitute an article of manufacture includinginstructions and processes which implement the function/act/stepspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram. These computer programinstructions may be provided to a processor of a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions,which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus, create means for implementing thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

As used herein, an “assembly” refers to two or more components combinedin a defined manner. A “master file” refers to a virtual model of anassembly created by combining component files. It will be appreciated bythose of skill in the art that a master file may contain sub-masterfiles. Sub-master files include, for example, combinations of componentsinto single files that are subsequently combined into a higher ordermaster file. “Component file” as used herein refers to a virtual modelof a component included in an assembly. The term “file” as used hereingenerally refers to CAD files, as well as drawing files and presentationfiles, and may for example be used interchangeably with the term ‘CADdocument” and refers to a discrete amount of data, represented on thegraphical user interface of a computer operating system as single iconthat when opened in/read by CAD software, displays a virtual model of anobject. “Object” as used herein refers to any real world item, includingcomponents and assemblies, “Environment” as used herein refers to a userinterface presented on a computer display, which allows and/or guides auser's operation of, and providing inputs to, the computerized system.“Input” as used herein refers to a signal provided to the computerprocessor by an input device. Discussion of user's operation of thesystem is understood to require inputs and instructions by the user tocause a computer to carry out the required steps of operation.Similarly, discussion of various environments or aspects of anapplication, software, and/or program performing tasks should beunderstood to refer to said application, software and/or program causingthe processor to act to achieve the desired result.

The present disclosure improves the functioning of a computer byimproving, enhancing, and streamlining the manner in which computeraided design (CAD) models are modified by enabling a user to assign newvalues to parameters in existing CAD models without having to remodeleach component having said parameter in the native CAD environment. Thepresent disclosure improves CAD automation and solves the problems thatexist in current solutions. The present disclosure provides softwareseparate and distinct from CAD software that interfaces with existingCAD software to provide an automation process separate from the creativemodeling process. The present disclosure advantageously allows users tomodify a limitless number of CAD files. Moreover, the files need not berelated to one another to be modified. The present disclosure thusallows a user to automate any CAD file, including component files usedto generate a master file, regardless if the original components werecreated with automation in mind or not.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a CAD automationprocess is provided that enables simultaneous manipulation of multipleCAD documents outside the native CAD environment. The applicationcontemplated by the disclosure enables a user to build a workflowenvironment, configure parameters of the workflow according to desiredmodifications, and create modified CAD files corresponding to theparameter configurations input by the user.

In accordance with aspects and embodiments, a process tree is disclosedin FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, the sequence of steps performed by theuser and received by the computerized application disclosed hereininclude in step 1, building a workspace of CAD files from existing CADfiles. These CAD files can be files already stored in the memory of thecomputer, and from the workspace, a workflow environment is built. Afterhaving built the workflow environment, the user configures theparameters of the workspace CAD files it seeks to modify in step 2. Instep 3, the computer is operable to run the application to createmodified CAD files with the configured parameters of step 2. Inaccordance with aspects and embodiments, steps 1-3 are performed withCAD software running in the background of the application.

In accordance with aspects and embodiments, a process tree of thedisclosure is provided in FIG. 2. Application 10 contemplates that priorto opening of application 10, or at some point prior to creating new CADfiles in accordance with step 3 of FIG. 1, a user will open existing CADsoftware 100 stored in a computer memory by using an input device incommunication with the computer memory and processor. The user will thenin step 22 use the input device to open application 10, also stored inthe computer memory.

Opening of application 10 in step 22 causes the computer to display onthe computer's graphical user interface an interactive window associatedwith application 10. Opening of application 10 further causesapplication 10 to perform steps 23A and 23B, collectively referred to asstep 23. In step 23A, application 10 searches the computer memory forexisting CAD files stored on the computer. In certain embodiments, thesearch of the computer memory may be limited to a certain directory ordirectories, which may be identified by a user in some cases. Next, thecomputer is operable to identify existing CAD files as CAD files 111 anddisplays them in a workspace environment 110 of application 10. In step23B, a user interacts with the workspace environment 110 of application10 and selects which of the CAD files 111 it seeks to modify. Userselected files are imported into a workflow environment 120 ofapplication 10, and the CAD files displayed in the workflow environmentbecome workflow CAD files 121.

A user's completion of step 23B causes application 10 to extractparameters 131 from workflow CAD files 121 in step 24A. Step 24Aterminates with the extracted parameters 131 being displayed in aparameter environment 130 of application 10. In step 24B, which may beperformed simultaneously with step 24A, application 10 identifiescomponent files 141 within selected CAD files 131 and terminates with adisplay of these component files 141 in a component environment 140.Steps 22-24 build the complete workflow environment by the computer. Itwill be appreciated that when CAD files 110 are imported into theworkflow environment 120, the workflow environment 120 necessarilypopulates parameter environment 130 and component environment 140.

A user configures the parameters 131 to be modified by selecting thedesired parameters from the parameter environment 130 in step 25.Completion of step 25 results in application 10 generating anddisplaying in step 26 an interactive form 2000 separate from the firstinteractive window displayed by opening application 10, the interactiveform 2000 window having editable parameters. In step 27, the user entersnew parameter values 231 into the editable window of interactive form2000 and instructs the application to generate new CAD files 211 havingthe new parameter values 231. Steps 25-27 comprise the steps where whichthe user configures the parameters. The application then communicateswith CAD software 100 in step 28. Application 10 provides CAD softwarewith new parameter values 231 and instructs CAD software 100 to modifyfiles corresponding to workspace files 121 to generate new CAD files 211having new parameter values 131.

In step 29, CAD software 100 uses the data provided by application 10 instep 28, and thus inputs provided by the user into form 2000, togenerate new CAD files 211 having new parameters 231. The CAD softwaregenerates new modified files corresponding to workflow files 121 as wellas modified files corresponding to any components 141. The output of theprocess is modified CAD files 211.

In one embodiment and referring to FIG. 3A in combination with FIG. 2, adisplay of an interactive automation suite 1000 provided to the user byapplication 10 is shown. Opening of application 10 displays interactiveautomation suite 1000 on the computer's graphical user interface. Theinteractive automation suite 1000 displays a workspace environment 110,workflow environment 120, a parameters environment 130, and componentsenvironment 140. The workspace, workflow, parameters, and componentsenvironments may be displayed within a single interactive applicationwindow simultaneously, as tabs within a single interactive applicationwindow that display in the window when selected, or by any otherarrangement. When the application of the present disclosure is opened bya user, the application 10 automatically searches the computer forexisting CAD files, recognizes any existing CAD files, and populates theworkspace environment 110 with a display of these files, shown as files111 in FIG. 3A.

Referring now to FIG. 3B in combination with FIG. 2, a user can theninteract with workspace environment 110 to select CAD files 111 that itwishes to modify. The user can then import the files 111 it seeks tomodify into the workflow environment 120 by dragging and dropping files111 from workspace 110, or by any other mechanisms known to those ofskill in the art. Once the CAD documents are imported into workflowenvironment 120, they become workflow files 121.

When a user imports CAD files 111 into workflow environment 120 suchthat they become workflow files 121, application 10 automaticallyextrapolates parameters contained within files 121 and displays theextrapolated parameters 131 in parameter environment 130. The parameterenvironment 130 displays each parameter 131 by name 131A and itscorresponding numerical value 131B. Application 10 further identifiesany component files within workspace file 121 and displays the names 141of these component files within the component environment 140.

Referring now to FIGS. 3B and 3C in combination with FIG. 2, a user canthen select the parameters 131 that it seeks to modify. After a user hasselected the parameters it seeks to modify, it instructs application 10to generate and display an interactive form 2000. Form 2000 may bedisplayed in a window separate from interactive suite 1000 or may bedisplayed in any other suitable arrangement. Interactive form 2000displays each parameter 131 selected by the user and provides acorresponding editable window 230 that allows the user to edit theassociated numerical values 131B of selected parameters 131. Once theuser inputs the new desired numerical values 231B for each selectedparameter 131, the user runs application 10. Application 10 takes theuser inputs 231B provided in form 2000 and interfaces with existing CADsoftware 100. The application 10 provides the user inputs 231B from form2000 to the existing CAD software 100 and causes the existing CADsoftware 100 to generate new CAD files 211 corresponding to eachunmodified workspace file 121 containing therein new, modifiedparameters 231B.

In some embodiments, new CAD files 211 may be generated outside of thenative CAD environment. Alternatively, application 10 may cause new CADfiles 211 to be generated in the native CAD environment. In accordancewith aspects and embodiments, application 10 may enable the user toselect if it wishes the new CAD files 211 to be generated outside thenative CAD environment or if it wishes for new CAD files 211 to begenerated within the CAD environment,

As a further example and in accordance with aspects and embodiments, ifa given workspace document 111 is a master file of an assemblyconsisting of 15 components, importing the master file 121 into workflowenvironment 120 will populate the components environment 140 with eachcomponent file 141 in master file 111. Each of the 15 component files141 of master file 111 will display in component environment 140. Uponimporting master file 111 into workspace environment 120, application 10will extrapolate each parameter 131 contained within master file 111 andpopulate the parameter environment 130 with these parameters 131. Theuser can then select which of the parameters 131 it seeks to modify,thereby generating interactive form 2000.

In accordance with embodiments, interactive form 2000 may display, inaddition to each selected parameter 131 and input window 231, additionalinformation and input windows. For example and referring to FIG. 1C,form 2000 may allow a user to identify where new CAD files 211 should besaved on the computer by inputting this information into window 232.Form 2000 may further allow the user to specify the name it which toassign each of the new files 211 by inputting this information intowindow 232. Alternatively, a user may simply select to “reuse” the filenames associated with workspace files 121 by selecting the “reuse” box122 such that the window 2000 does not require new file name inputs intowindow 232.

In accordance with aspects and embodiments, application 10 can be usedto modify any type of CAD document. A user can use application 10 tomodify component files by importing the component files displayed inworkspace 110 into workflow environment 120. Application 10 can also beused to modify assemblies. A user can input a master file 111 intoworkspace 120, and when the master file is converted into workspacemaster file 121, each of the component files 141 in the master file willbe displayed in the component environment 140.

In accordance with aspects and embodiments, application 10 can be usedto modify aspects and attributes of CAD documents separate fromcomponents and parameters, and a given CAD document need not haveembedded components and parameters contained therein to benefit fromapplication 10. For example, application 10 can be used to change thefile name of a CAD file and may advantageously be used to modify thefile names of several CAD files simultaneously. Alternatively, ifcomponents are extracted from a given file, application 10 can be usedto easily rename these components in a single step. Application 10 mayalso be used to copy existing CAD files and may advantageously be usedto copy several CAD files in a single step.

In accordance with embodiments, application 10 may be used to modifyunrelated CAD files. For example, a first CAD file 111 may be for afirst assembly and a second CAD file 111 may be for a second, unrelatedassembly. Both the first and second assemblies can be input intoworkspace environment 120 for simultaneous modification. All of theparameters and components for each of assemblies 111 will be displayedin the parameter environment 130 and component environment 140,respectively. A user can select parameters from both assemblies and form2000 will generate input windows 230 such that the parameters of each,unrelated, assembly, can be modified in a single run of application 10.This enables an unlimited number of CAD files to be modified byapplication 10 easily and quickly.

In accordance with aspects and embodiments, form 2000 of application 10is fully customizable. That is, form 2000 is generated in response onlyto user inputs. A user can thus perform modification of multipleparameters in a single run or can select a single parameter formodification. Each time application 10 is used by user, a new form 2000may be generated in response to user selections. Form 2000 may furtherby customizable in ways dependent of parameter selection. For example,certain templates may be selected whereby only certain information isrequired to complete form 2000. A user may select a template of form2000 that displays only the selected parameters. Alternatively, a usermay select a template of form 2000 that displays the option to renamefiles and relocate files. Similarly and in accordance with embodiments,a user may generate their own templates by creating and savingcustom-generated forms. Moreover, in embodiments where application 10 isused to modify features of CAD files unrelated to parameters, such asfile and component names and/or to copy files, a form 2000 can begenerated provided that at least one CAD file 121 is present in CADworkspace 120.

In accordance with aspects and embodiments, form 2000 may be saved withthe CAD files on which it is designed to modify. The combination of form2000 and CAD files on which form 2000 is designed to operate may bereferred to herein as a file “bundle.” The bundle file may be of anarchive file format that supports lossless data compression such as a.zip file or any other type of file known in the art. The bundle mayinclude form 2000 and some or all of a collection of CAD files on whichform 2000 operates, including components, assemblies, drawings,presentations, projects, and other types of CAD files. The bundle may beshared with other CAD users such that the creator of the bundle canprovide a second user with everything the second user needs to quicklymanipulate a plurality of CAD files with a given form 2000.Additionally, the bundle also provides the first user with an easy wayof providing, sending or transferring by any known means, a second userwith all the files and form 2000 the second user needs performmodifications when the second user does not have the necessary files ontheir local computer. In accordance with aspects and embodiments,application 10 may generate bundles by execution of a single command.For example, when a form 2000 is saved, the user may also select throughapplication 10 the “save bundle” feature that creates the bundle. Thebundle may then be modified by the user once created by application 10by, for example, adding or removing additional files.

In accordance with aspects and embodiments, application 10 may enable auser to readily make design modifications in an assembly to accommodatethe assembly's sourcing. For example, application 10 can be used toconvert metric standard plate value thicknesses in a given assembly toEnglish standard plate thickness values. This thus enables a single,modeled assembly to be easily and rapidly modified to accommodatesourcing in different countries.

In accordance with aspects and embodiments, the application of thepresent disclosure can further be used to generate a new CAD file froman existing CAD file having different angle projections. For example, afirst CAD file having an object shown in a first angle projection can bereadily and easily used by the disclosed application to generate asecond CAD file showing the object in a third angle projection.

The application of the present disclosure may further advantageouslycommunicate and interface with other computer programs. For example, thedisclosed application may be configured to input new parameter values231B from a spreadsheet file, for example a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.This feature thus enables certain specifications generated outside ofCAD files, for example, in accordance with manufacturer specifications,to be input into the application such that new CAD files 211 can begenerated based on modified parameters 231 provided in spreadsheet form.

In accordance with aspects and embodiments, the application of thepresent disclosure may further include additional functionalities. Forexample, when application 10 is used to generate modified CAD files 211having new parameters 231, new CAD files 211 may advantageously includeinformation on new weld lengths and component and assembly weights.

In accordance with aspects and embodiments, the disclosed applicationmay have features that enable a user to specify further features ofoutput CAD files 211. For example, a user using application 10 togenerate new CAD files 211 may specify that the new files 211 can beeditable. Alternatively, a user may specify when running application 10that new CAD files 211 are to be non-editable. Such a selection thusenables new files 211 to be viewed in CAD software but locks files 211from being modified in the CAD software. A user can also further selectthe desired output file format. For example, new files 211 can beexported to PDF.

It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the applicationdisclosed herein may be provided to a user by any means known in theart, including for example, as an internet download or as encoded on adata storage medium such as CD-ROM or DVD. The application of thepresent disclosure is controlled in its execution by the processor ofthe computer device and intermediate storage of application data may beaccomplished by using the computer's RAM.

The present disclosure contemplates various versions of the applicationincluding but not limited to a cloud-based application and a mobilephone application. In accordance with aspects and embodiments, acloud-based application in accordance with the features disclosed hereinenables users to modify and manipulate CAD files from anywhere wherethere is an internet connection. A mobile, cloud-based, version of theapplication enables a user to modify CAD documents in real time andon-site when working with manufacturers and the like to generatemodified models having newly specified parameters.

While several variations of the present invention have been illustratedby way of example in preferred or particular embodiments, it is apparentthat further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scopeof the present invention, or the inventive concept thereof. However, itis to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptationsare within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and areinclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as setforth.

Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerousmodifications, applications and alterations of the device and method maybe made while retaining the teachings of the present invention.

1. A method of modifying a first CAD file stored in a computer memory ofa computer, the method comprising: building a workflow environment in aCAD modifying application by a processor of the computer, the workflowenvironment including the first CAD file; wherein building the workflowenvironment includes receiving an input selecting the first CAD filefrom a plurality of CAD files displayed in a workspace environment; andwherein the workspace environment and workflow environment are displayedby the CAD modifying application in a single window of a display of acomputerized user interface.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the CADmodifying application runs on the computer separately from a CADsoftware.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step ofmodifying, by the processor, at least one parameter associated with thefirst CAD file.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of modifying,by the processor, at least one parameter associated with the first CADfile creates at least one modified parameter within the CAD modifyingapplication.
 5. The method of claim 4 further comprising the step ofgenerating, by the processor, the at least one modified parameter by theCAD modifying application.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprisingthe step of generating, by the processor, a second CAD file from thefirst CAD file.
 7. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step ofsaving the second generated CAD file to the memory of the computer. 8.The method of claim 1, wherein the workspace environment is createdautomatically by the processor as instructed by the CAD modifyingapplication.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the first CADfile from the plurality of CAD files displayed in the workspaceenvironment populates a parameter environment.
 10. The method of claim9, wherein the first CAD file is an assembly file that includes at leasttwo component files.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein selecting thefirst CAD file from the plurality of CAD files displayed in theworkspace environment causes the processor to populate a componentenvironment.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein components displayed inthe component environment correspond to the at least two component filesof the assembly file.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein selecting aparameter from the parameter environment causes the processor togenerate an interactive form within the CAD modifying application havinga corresponding editable parameter window.
 14. The method of claim 13further comprising receiving an input comprising a modified parametervalue through an input to the user interface in the editable parameterwindow, the modified parameter value being different from a parametervalue in the first CAD file.
 15. The method of claim 13 furthercomprising saving the interactive form within the CAD modifyingapplication as a template interactive form for future use.
 16. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising the step of combining a second CADfile with the first CAD file in order to generate a master file thatreflects a virtual model of an assembly when opened in a CAD software.17. A method of modifying a plurality of CAD files, the methodcomprising: opening CAD software stored in a computer memory by aprocessor; opening a CAD modifying application stored in the computermemory by the processor; importing, by the processor, the plurality ofCAD files into the CAD modifying application; and building a workflowenvironment in the CAD modifying application by the processor, whereinbuilding the workflow environment includes receiving an input selectinga first CAD file from the plurality of CAD files displayed in aworkspace environment, where the workspace environment and the workflowenvironment are displayed by the CAD modifying application in a singlewindow of a display of a user interface.
 18. The method of claim 17wherein the first CAD file is an assembly file that comprises at leasttwo component files, and wherein building the workflow environmentfurther includes receiving an input selecting a second CAD file from theplurality of CAD files displayed in the workspace environment.
 19. Themethod of claim 18 further comprising the step of combining, by the CADmodifying application, the second CAD file and one of the at least twocomponent file of the assembly file to generate a master file thatreflects a virtual model when opened in a CAD software.
 20. The methodof claim 18 further comprising the step of exporting, by the CADmodifying application, the assembly file in at least one output format.